South Africa calls on "demonstrable action" from Palestinians, Israelis

South Africa said in the United Nations Wednesday that lasting and peaceful solution to the Middle East will require "demonstrable action" from both Palestinians and Israelis.

This statement came as South African Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Adv Doctor Mashaban took to the floor at the Security Council's open debate on the Middle East.

"My delegation is of the view that the proximity talks between the parties should result in credible negotiations with the objective of finding a lasting solution to all permanent status issues,"Mashaban told the 15-nation Council.

"The search for a lasting solution will require demonstrable action on the part of all parties, and Israel in particular as the occupier, in taking the process forward and to achieve lasting peace and security in the region," the ambassador said.

Noting recent events, such as the attack on the humanitarian aid flotilla headed for Gaza, Mashaban underscored the need to end the blockade on Gaza.

"The Israeli military assault on the aid flotilla clearly has a negative impact on finding a lasting solution to the challenges confronting the region and results from the continued illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip," Mashaban said.

"My delegation remains convinced that the only viable solution to the challenges confronting the region is a political solution based on the creation of a Palestinian State co-existing peacefully alongside Israel," Mashaban said.

On July 29, foreign ministers of more than 20 Arab states will meet under the umbrella of the Arab League (AL) in Cairo, Egypt, where they will likely be asked whether the time has come for the Palestinians to enter direct peace negotiations with Israel. Their decision could well affect the fate of the on-off talks.

Source: Xinhua